Govt buildings in Meghalaya to use CFL, LED lights

Shillong, Feb 10 (PTI) Meghalaya cabinet today decided to make it mandatory the use of compact fluorescent lamps and light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs in all government and government-aided buildings in the state.

After chairing a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said this initiative is likely to help the government to save 70 per cent of the energy consumed in such buildings.

"There are products available which help conserve energy. These innovations such as CFL and LED bulbs will helping reducing the power consumption. We will implement the transition in a phase manner," Sangma said.

The government also decided to use energy-efficient irrigation sets and motor pumps in the buildings.

"The cabinet also decided to consider use of solar energy in street lights in urban areas," he said.

These initiatives, besides helping save power, will also relieve the burden of paying huge bills by civic bodies.

Sangma said the energy saved in government sector could be sold at better price for industrial purpose.